Sulpha drugs and its antagonism

Conclusion From the above experimental studies, and from the actual records we conclude that there is no necessity of an inference of the role of p-amino benzoic acid in the bacterial metabolism and how it is antagonised by the sulpha drugs. On the other hand we come to this conclusion from the results of direct observation that bacteria utilises oxygen from blood and tissues with the help of catalase which breaks down oxygenase. These two substances abound in all tissues and blood. Peptone, p-amino benzoic acid, its salts and esters etc antagonise the effect of the unsubstituted compounds of the sulphonamides but have no such action on the substituted compounds of the sulpha drugs. This is only a preliminary report. It is expected that soon truth will reveal itself by continuous study by newer methods and from newer points of view.     

Primary mesenteric venous thrombosis: a study from western India.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence and clinical spectrum of mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT) in India is largely unknown. METHODS: We retrospectively re-viewed the case records of patients with primary mesenteric venous thrombosis seen over a 10-year period and retrieved information on clinical picture, underlying hypercoagulable states and outcome. RESULTS: The 28 cases (mean age 41.2 [SD 10.2] years; 19 male) included 13 with acute MVT, 10 with subacute MVT and 5 with chronic MVT. Ten patients had past thromboembolic events (multiple events in five); four patients had isolated superior mesenteric vein involvement and 14 had multiple vessel involvement. Hypercoagulable state was identified in 17 patients, with multiple etiologies in 7 patients. Pre-operative diagnosis was made in all patients. Ten patients needed surgical management; the rest were managed medically initially, but 2 required surgery on follow up. Seven patients died during a follow up of up to 10 years, with in-hospital mortality during index admission in six. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the patients with MVT have multiple intra-abdominal vessel involvement and underlying hypercoagulable state. The policy of early treatment with anticoagulation in all and surgical treatment as per need, achieves low mortality.     

Postoperative Analgesic Effects of Continuous Wound Infiltration with Diclofenac after Elective Cesarean Delivery

Background: Postoperative pain mostly results from sensitization of afferent fibers at injury sites driving central sensitization. Recently, peripheral processes have gained attention as mechanisms of hyperalgesia, and prostaglandins are among highly sensitizing agents. To date, perioperative administration of a single local dose of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs has shown inconclusive efficacy. Rather than a single bolus, the current study evaluates the postoperative analgesic effect of diclofenac continuous intrawound infusion after elective cesarean delivery.

Methods: Ninety-two parturients were randomly allocated to receive a 48-h continuous intrawound infusion with 240 ml containing 300 mg diclofenac, 0.2% ropivacaine, or saline. In the ropivacaine and saline groups, patients also received 75 mg intravenous diclofenac every 12 h for 48 h. Postoperative evaluation included intravenous morphine consumption by patient-controlled analgesia and visual analog pain scores. Punctate mechanical hyperalgesia surrounding the wound and presence of residual pain after 1 and 6 months were also assessed.

Results: Continuous diclofenac infusion significantly reduced postoperative morphine consumption (18 mg; 95% confidence interval, 12.7-22.2) in comparison with saline infusion and systemic diclofenac (38 mg; 95% confidence interval, 28.8-43.7) (P = 0.0009) without unique adverse effects. Postoperative analgesia produced by local diclofenac infusion was as effective as local ropivacaine infusion with systemic diclofenac.     

Performance of Residents and Anesthesiologists in a Simulation-based Skill Assessment

Background: Anesthesiologists and anesthesia residents are expected to acquire and maintain skills to manage a wide range of acute intraoperative anesthetic events. The purpose of this study was to determine whether an inventory of simulated intraoperative scenarios provided a reliable and valid measure of anesthesia residents' and anesthesiologists' skill.

Methods: Twelve simulated acute intraoperative scenarios were designed to assess the performance of 64 residents and 35 anesthesiologists. The participants were divided into four groups based on their training and experience. There were 31 new CA-1, 12 advanced CA-1, and 22 CA-2/CA-3 residents as well as a group of 35 experienced anesthesiologists who participated in the assessment. Each participant managed a set of simulated events. The advanced CA-1 residents, CA-2/CA-3 residents, and 35 anesthesiologists managed 8 of 12 intraoperative simulation exercises. The 31 CA-1 residents each managed 3 intraoperative scenarios.

Results: The new CA-1 residents received lower scores on the simulated intraoperative events than the other groups of participants. The advanced CA-1 residents, CA-2/CA-3 residents, and anesthesiologists performed similarly on the overall assessment. There was a wide range of scores obtained by individuals in each group. A number of the exercises were difficult for the majority of participants to recognize and treat, but most events effectively discriminated among participants who achieved higher and lower overall scores.     

HP26PSEUDO‐ACHALASIA FOLLOWING A SLIPPED LAPAROSCOPICALLY PLACED ADJUSTABLE GASTRIC BAND: A CASE REPORT

Purpose To demonstrate that laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding may promote oesophageal dilatation or interfere with oesophageal motility. Methodology We report a case of a 67 year old female with a complex medical history who developed secondary achalasia from a slipped laparoscopic adjustable gastric band for weight loss. This led to recurring episodes of aspiration pneumonia requiring multiple admissions at North Shore Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand. Results A decision was made to remove the gastric band, five years after its initial insertion. At one month follow up, she was swallowing normally and oesophageal manometry had returned to normal. Conclusion Oesophageal dysmotility is sometimes seen in patients who have bands that are adjusted too tightly or in whom the band has slipped. This can lead to serious complications if unrecognized and incorrectly treated. Oesophageal symptoms in patients with adjustable bands must be considered secondary to the band until proven otherwise ie removal of the band or complete deflation.